A long and winding road

It seemed a good idea at the time. (Have I started a post like this before?)

Approaching the end of my year of teacher training, I was obliged to nominate five local authorities where I'd be willing to spend my probationary year. This is a requirement of the Teacher Induction Scheme. As I am West of Scotland born and bred, with deep roots and a massive mortgage, I listed the four surrounding authorities, hoping for something within my ten-mile zone of inclusion.

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The pink circle indicates my 10-mile preferred zone, for comfortable commuting. The large black arrow marks the approximate location of my placement school!

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As my "wild card" fifth option, I nominated Stirling, which is the next-nearest authority, but which stretches uncomfortably far north and east.

So, guess whose bluff was called?!

It seems that I shall be spending 2006/2007 in a Stirlingshire school, a daily round trip of 70 miles. With petrol running at 96.9p per litre (and, I must admit, my car is not the most economical model), it looks as if most of my Scale Point Zero starting salary will be going straight to the Shell shareholders.